Research Groups
Smart and Sustainable Resources and Industries (RIIS)
The research group revolves around the sustainable use of resources from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective. It aims to respond to the challenge of optimal use of natural resources and urban, industrial, and mining waste. This comprehensive solution requires different fields of action. Research investigates the search for and treatment of resources taking into account that they are limited and, therefore, their use must be maximized, while producing the minimum of final waste. This is in accordance with current trends, promoted by the European Union, of Zero Waste and Circular Economy. The development of control systems, entailing the so-called smart industry, will be essential to achieve this milestone.
Coordinator: M. Pura Alfonso Abella
The research subgroups within the RIIS research group are mentioned below:
The research subgroup on biological treatment of gaseous contaminants and odors at UPC has become a benchmark in recent years regarding the application of biological techniques to solve a wide range of environmental problems. Thus, the group already possesses extensive experience in the use of biofilters for the treatment of different types of organic and inorganic gaseous contaminants as well as in the characterization of these devices both from a theoretical point of view (advanced modeling using CFD techniques) and practical (design and construction of pilot plants, respirometric techniques, biofilm monitoring using ad hoc designed microsensors, among others).
Coordinator: Xavier Gamisans.
- Research lines:
The main research lines of GREMS focus on the field of mining and are as follows: characterization of mineral deposits, optimization in mineral processing, safety and environmental conditions in underground mining, subsidence control, and preservation of geological and mining heritage.
Coordinator: David Parcerisa Duocastella
- Research lines:
Physical processes for material separation
Coordinator: Josep Oliva
The SINAPSI research subgroup is multidisciplinary in nature, developing its activities in the field of information and communication technologies, specifically in the areas of: communication circuits, systems and networks, control and cyber-physical systems, software engineering, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
- Coordinator: Francesc Xavier Moncunill Geniz
Research lines:
The subgroup's main objective is to contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing CO2 emissions in the construction sector and improving the energy efficiency of buildings.
- Coordinator: Francesc Rota Font
-Research lines:
Study and characterization of innovative materials
Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Optimization of thermal efficiency and energy saving. Energy and water interaction of buildings.
Sustainability Science and Technology (CITES)
The main objective of the Research Group on Sustainability Science and Technology (CITES) is to generate the technical and conceptual tools necessary to help transform our society towards sustainability. The Group addresses the main challenges of sustainable development of current eco-socio-economic systems, in research sub-lines perfectly identifiable with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations, with holistic and transdisciplinary approaches. The group's research areas are: Education for sustainability, climate change, urban sustainability and green infrastructure, Industrial innovation, sustainable design, and circular economy.
- Coordinator: Boris Lazzarini
- Research lines:
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